In just under six months, they defrauded victims of more than VND 17 billion (approximately USD 700,000).

On October 24, Ho Chi Minh City’s Security Investigation Agency announced it had launched criminal proceedings and detained four suspects: Nguyen Van Truong (born 1993, from Dong Thap), Vo Van Duc (born 1997, from An Giang), Cao Tan Tu (born 2000), and Nguyen Ngoc Thuy Linh (born 1993), all residing in Ho Chi Minh City.

They are being investigated for “fraudulent appropriation of property.”

A beauty business turned into a fake clinic

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AC International was disguised as a clinic to deceive patients. Photo: Police provided

The criminal scheme was carried out under the front of a business registered as AC International, located at 19 Phan Xich Long, Gia Dinh Ward, Ho Chi Minh City.

Originally licensed to provide skincare services and sell cosmetics, the operation quickly morphed into an unauthorized “clinic” under the direction of Nguyen Van Truong.

According to initial findings, city police and the Department of Health discovered that AC International was operating far beyond its licensed scope.

Truong assigned roles to his staff, dressing them in white coats and presenting them as “doctors” and “specialists.”

The team used medical equipment with fabricated labels to offer consultations and treatments to clients.

In reality, most staff had no medical credentials, and one had only studied veterinary care at the vocational level. Yet, they still administered IV fluids and injections to patients.

The substances injected were mostly saline, vitamins, or over-the-counter painkillers, offering no real therapeutic value.

Social media manipulation and fake credentials

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Suspect Nguyen Van Truong (far left) with co-conspirators Cao Tan Tu and Nguyen Ngoc Thuy Linh in custody. Photo: Police provided

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Fake doctor Vo Van Duc administering fraudulent treatment to a patient. Photo: Police provided

The group created a network of Facebook profiles and fan pages impersonating doctors, using titles like “Dr.” or “MSc,” and claiming affiliations with “internationally accredited medical standards.”

They posted doctored images of foreign doctors, high-tech equipment, and dramatic treatment testimonials claiming to “cure diseases without surgery” and “eliminate chronic pain, snoring, digestive problems.”

They then paid to advertise these posts, luring vulnerable people to their facility.

Upon arriving, clients were subjected to multiple consultation rounds and pressured into purchasing service packages ranging from several million to hundreds of millions of dong.

Those unable to afford treatment were coerced into taking out unsecured loans via mobile apps or had payments collected directly at their homes.

Over $700,000 scammed in just five months

Investigators confirmed that between February and July 2025, the group defrauded victims of more than VND 17 billion (USD 700,000).

The primary targets were elderly individuals suffering from chronic illnesses such as joint pain, stomach issues, snoring, gout, or sensitive men's health conditions.

Many of the victims came from rural provinces and were unaware of the clinic’s illegitimacy.

Police are continuing their investigation and have called on additional victims to come forward.

Those affected are urged to report to the Security Investigation Agency at 243 Cach Mang Thang Tam Street, Xuan Hoa Ward, Ho Chi Minh City. Phone: 0693.188.504.

Public warning issued

Police released images showing the suspects in custody and one of the accused, Vo Van Duc, pretending to treat a patient.

Authorities warn the public to only seek medical care from licensed facilities.

They urge citizens not to trust miracle cures or glossy advertising on social media.

Any individual impersonating a healthcare professional or operating outside the scope of licensure will face strict legal consequences.

Dam De